Method for producing a brush, and brush

ABSTRACT

A method of producing a brush as well as a brush (1), in particular a toothbrush, which has at least one bristle bundle (3) which includes at least one bristle filament having a curved and/or kinked profile.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The following documents are incorporated herein by reference as if fullyset forth: German Patent Application No. 10 2020 117 049.1, filed Jun.29, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a method for producing a brush, in particular atoothbrush. The invention furthermore also relates to a brush, inparticular a toothbrush.

BACKGROUND

Brushes, in particular toothbrushes, are available in the most variedembodiments. Despite the existing diversity, there continues to be greatdemand for further embodiments of brushes having shapes and/orproperties which are often difficult to implement. The challenge herelies in the economical production of brushes of this type.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and abrush of the type mentioned at the outset which meet this demand in anideally economical manner.

In order for the object to be achieved, firstly a method for producing abrush that has one or more features of the disclosure directed toward amethod of this type is provided.

In order for the object to be achieved in the case of the methodmentioned at the outset it is provided according to the invention thatat least one bristle bundle of the brush, proceeding from a non-deformedinitial shape, is permanently formed in such a manner that at least onebristle filament of the bristle bundle upon deformation has a curvedand/or kinked profile.

The design of the bristle complement of the brush is essential with aview to the functioning and the useful properties of said brush.Specific properties of the brush, for example the durability thereof orelse the cleaning effect thereof, can be influenced in a targeted mannerby way of the targeted deformation of at least one bristle bundle.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that the at least onebristle bundle upon fastening the latter to a bristle carrier, forexample a brush head, of the brush, proceeding from the non-deformedinitial shape of said bristle bundle, is permanently formed in such amanner that at least one bristle filament of the bristle bundle upondeformation has a curved and/or kinked profile. The bristle bundles canbe fastened in a conventional manner in this way. The individualizedshaping of the brush can take place in a separate processing step. Thiscan simplify the manufacturing even of brushes of complex design.

If required, it is thus possible for a bristle field or a bristlecomplement of a brush to be formed in a targeted manner so as to formthe shape of at least one bristle bundle in order to be suitable for aspecific function, for example.

The properties of the bristle bundle can be specifically modified bydeforming said bristle bundle. By deforming a bristle bundle it ispossible, for example, for the cleaning effect of the brush to bemodified in a targeted manner. The deformation of the at least onebristle bundle can have the effect of reinforcing the bundle or elsesoftening the bundle, for example. A bundle-reinforcing deformation ofthe bristle bundle can lead to an increase in the abrasiveness of thebristle bundle. The formed bristle bundle can be stiffer in comparisonto the non-deformed initial shape of said bristle bundle and thus have astronger cleaning effect.

When the deformation of the bristle bundle leads to a softening of thebundle, this can contribute toward increasing the sensitivity of thebristle bundle and thus of the entire bristle complement of the brush.In the case of toothbrushes, this increase in sensitivity can contributetoward particularly gentle cleaning of teeth.

Due to the targeted deformation of the bristle bundle it is alsopossible to increase the cleaning accuracy of the bristle bundle. Forexample, due to the targeted deformation it is possible for individualbristle filaments to project from a free end of the bristle bundle.These bristle filaments can be particularly suitable for cleaningintermediate spaces between teeth and/or for cleaning so-called toothfissures, for example.

In one embodiment of the method of the type mentioned at the outset itis provided that at least one bristle bundle, proceeding from anon-deformed initial shape, is permanently formed in such a manner thatthe bristle bundle at the free bundle end thereof has a cross sectionwhich is not rotationally symmetrical.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that at least two bristlebundles are unified in a common bundle portion, for example in a commonbundle end portion. In this way it is possible for a joint bristlebundle which is larger at the end side to be generated from two smallerbristle bundles.

A few large bristle bundles can be generated by unifying a plurality ofindividual bristle bundles as described in the unification of bundlesabove.

In another embodiment of the method it is provided that at least onebristle bundle at the free end thereof is divided into at least twomutually separate bristle bundles which can also be referred to asbundle end portions. In this way it is possible for at least two or moresmaller bristle bundles to be generated from one bristle bundle.

Where a plurality of large bristle bundles are provided in a basicdesign of a brush, it is possible for this plurality of large bristlebundles to be in each case divided into a plurality of small bristlebundles, if required. Proceeding from a basic process for producing abasic shape of a brush, it is thus possible to subsequently impart tothe brush another design by deforming individual bristle bundles or aplurality of bristle bundles, without having to modify the basicprocess.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that bristle filaments ofat least one bristle bundle for generating a clearance in the bristlebundle are displaced. This can take place, for example, with the aid ofa displacement means. The bristle bundle can be more compliant due tothe clearance generated in the bristle bundle. It is also possible forthe clearance in the bristle bundle to be used for receiving an activeingredient and/or a cleaning agent, for example toothpaste.

The clearance here can be disposed between a first closed bundle portionwhich is in particular adjacent to a free end of the bristle bundle anda second closed bundle portion which is in particular adjacent to an endof the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier. Theclearance can also be generated by way of a closed cross section in theat least one bristle bundle that is defined by the bristle filaments ofthe bristle bundle.

Due to the preferably subsequent deformation of bristle bundles, it isfurthermore possible for said bristle bundles to be formed towardregions which said bristle bundles by virtue of technical limitations inthe production of a bristle field, thus when individual bristle bundlesare fastened to a bristle carrier or are unified so as to form a bristlecarrier, could not occupy.

Due to the subsequent deformation of at least one bristle bundle, it ispossible for effective bundle positions in the bristle complement of thebrush to be imparted to the bristle bundles, said effective bundlepositions to date not having been able to be economically implemented inthis way when incorporating the bristle bundle in the bristle field orthe bristle complement.

It is to be mentioned at this point that the bristle bundles can bestuffed into the bristle field or the bristle complement of the brushesor may be fastened without anchoring.

It is also possible for a bristle bundle to be formed in such a mannerthat said bristle bundle has cross sections which in terms of thelongitudinal axis of said bristle bundle are axially spaced apart fromone another and differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size.

When being deformed, at least one bristle bundle can also be imparted ahelical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped design. It isfurthermore possible for a bristle bundle to be spread out when beingdeformed. The bristle bundle can be imparted a fan shape in this way.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that at least two,preferably helical, bristle bundles are conjointly twisted such thatsaid bristle bundles wrap one another. The bristle bundles here can beconjointly twisted at a mutual spacing or so as to contact one another.

It can be provided in the method that at least one bristle bundle,proceeding from the initial shape, is formed to a desired target shapeunder the influence of heat and/or with the aid of a shape-impartingtool, for example a shape-imparting bundle pocket. Due to the influenceof heat, a molecular structure of the bristle filaments of the bristlebundle can adapt to a shape in which the bristle filaments are held in adeformed manner in the previously mentioned bundle pocket, for example.In a manner similar to that of a stress relief heat treatment, stresseswhich are present in the individual bristle filaments due to the latterbeing held in a deformed manner and would actually ensure that thebristle filaments are restored to the initial shape can be relieved bythe heat. This stress relief has the consequence that the bristle bundleafter cooling permanently maintains its formed design.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that at least one bristlebundle for supporting another bristle bundle is brought to bear on theother bristle bundle. A bristle bundle supported in such a manner hasimproved stability and, on account thereof, an improved cleaning effect,when penetrating into the intermediate spaces between teeth and/or toothfissures between a tooth and the gum.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that at least two bristlebundles for supporting a third bristle bundle, which can be disposedbetween the two bristle bundles, are brought to bear on the thirdbristle bundle. The third bristle bundle, due to the second bristlebundle or optionally also a plurality of bristle bundles, bearingthereon, is imparted improved stability.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that at least one bristlebundle, in particular at the free bundle end thereof, due to thepreviously described deformation, is imparted a cross section having anangular and/or polygonal internal geometry and/or an angular and/orpolygonal external geometry. Angular and/or polygonal internalgeometries and/or external geometries can increase the abrasiveness ofthe correspondingly formed bristle bundles. In this way, the bristlebundles formed in such a manner are suitable for correspondinglyintensive cleaning.

With a view to a gentle cleaning effect it is provided in one embodimentof the method that the at least one bristle bundle, in particular at thefree bundle end thereof, is imparted a cross section having a round orcircular internal geometry, and/or having a round or circular externalgeometry.

In order for the object to be achieved, a brush, in particular atoothbrush, of the type mentioned at the outset and which has one ormore features of the disclosure directed toward a brush of this type isalso provided. In order for the object to be achieved a brush is thus inparticular proposed having at least one bristle bundle having at leastone bristle filament having a curved and/or kinked profile.

It is furthermore possible for at least one bristle bundle of the brushat the free bundle end thereof to have a cross section which is notrotationally symmetrical.

Brushes of this type can be produced by the method having one or more ofthe features disclosed herein.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that at least two bristlebundles are unified in a common bundle portion. The common bundleportion can in particular be a common bundle end portion at the free endof the mutually unified bristle bundles.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that at least one bristlebundle at the free bundle end thereof is divided into at least twomutually separate bundle end portions.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that a bristle bundle hasa clearance. The clearance can be generated by displacing and/ordeforming bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that a bristle bundle interms of the longitudinal axis thereof has two bundle cross sectionswhich are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ fromone another in terms of shape and/or size.

It is furthermore possible for a bristle bundle to have a helical,conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped design. It is also possible forat least one bristle bundle of the brush to be spread out and thus befan shaped.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that at least two,preferably in each case helical, bristle bundles are conjointly twistedsuch that said bristle bundles wrap one another.

The conjointly twisted bristle bundles here can be conjointly twisted ata mutual spacing or be conjointly twisted so as to contact one another.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that at least one bristlebundle comprises crimped and/or undulated bristle filaments. It canfurthermore be provided that at least one bristle bundle comprisesbristle filaments of different thickness and/or bristle filaments fromdifferent materials, in particular materials of variable stiffness. Itcan furthermore be provided that at least one bristle bundle comprisesbristle filaments with added grain and/or with an added antibacterialsubstance.

The cleaning effect of the bristle bundle can be correspondingly adaptedby adding grain. An added antibacterial substance in the bristlefilaments of the bristle bundle can avoid or at least reduce theformation of a biofilm on the bristle filaments.

At least one bristle bundle at the free bundle end thereof can have aconvex or concave end contour. It is furthermore possible for at leastone bristle bundle at the free bundle end thereof to be spread out.

At least one bristle bundle for supporting another bristle bundle canbear on the other bristle bundle. The one bristle bundle here, by way ofthe free bundle end thereof, preferably bears on the other bristlebundle in order for the other bristle bundle to be supported. In anotherembodiment of the brush it is provided that at least two bristle bundlesfor supporting a third bristle bundle, which is in particular situatedbetween the two bristle bundles, bear on the third bristle bundle. Heretoo, the at least two bristle bundles by way of the free bundle endsthereof can bear on the third bristle bundle in order for the thirdbristle bundle to be supported.

When the brush has at least one bristle bundle, in particular at thefree bundle end thereof, having a cross section having an angular and/orpolygonal internal geometry and/or having an angular and/or polygonalexternal geometry, at least this one bristle bundle can have a higherdegree of abrasiveness and thus a more intensive cleaning effect.

In one embodiment of the brush it is provided that at least one bristlebundle, in particular at the free bundle end thereof, has a crosssection having a round or circular internal geometry and/or having around or circular external geometry. This bristle bundle, by virtue ofthe round or circular internal geometry and/or the round or circularexternal geometry, can have a lower degree of abrasiveness and thusfacilitate comparatively gentle cleaning.

The properties of the bristle bundle can furthermore be influenced byusing tapered or pointed bristle filaments and/or bristle filamentswhich in terms of the cross-section are triangular, round, quadrangular,X-shaped, diamond-shaped and/or cruciform.

The bristle filaments can be composed from the materials PA6.12, PA6.10,PA10.10, PA11, PA4.10, PBT, PP, for example, or else from mixtures ofsaid materials (for example PA6.12 with a PBT casing). The bristlefilaments can, for example, have filament thicknesses of 2 to 15 mils,and/or be radiused or else unfinished at the end side.

In order for the deformation of at least one bristle bundle to beperformed as described above, a device described hereunder for formingbristle bundles of a bristle complement or bristle field of a brush canbe used. The device comprises at least one bundle pocket having at leastone bundle receptacle, preferably at least two bundle receptacles,configured therein and a heating device. Bristle bundles which have beenincorporated into the at least one bundle receptacle can be heated bythe heating device. The at least one bundle receptacle is bundle-formingand specified for forming bristle bundles which have been incorporatedinto the bundle receptacle under the effect of heat discharged by theheating installation to a design which differs to that of said bristlebundles before being incorporated into the bundle receptacles, so as toset the shaping of the bristle bundle incorporated in the bundlereceptacle as predefined by the bundle receptacle.

A plurality of bundle receptacles here can be combined in at least onegroup, wherein a group comprises a number of bundle receptacles whichcorresponds to a number of bristle bundles of a bristle complement or abristle field of which the bristle bundles are to be formed by thedevice. In this way, all of the bristle bundles of the bristle field ofa brush can be formed in one operating step, using the device forindividualizing the brush.

To this end, the bundle receptacles within one group are expedientlydisposed like the bristle bundles in the bristle complement of the brushto be processed.

At least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket of the device interms of a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacles can have at leasttwo cross sections which are axially spaced apart from one another anddiffer from one another in terms of shape and/or size. A device whichpermits brushes to be individualized in a diverse manner is achieved inthis way.

In one embodiment of the previously described device, a bundlereceptacle of the bundle pocket has an introduction duct which opensinto at least two ducts of the bundle receptacles that are disposeddownstream of the introduction duct. Using such a device, bristlebundles which spread out in the profile thereof can be formed. Thedownstream ducts of the bundle receptacles can have longitudinal axeswhich are mutually aligned at a defined angle, in particular at an acuteangle. A bristle bundle which has a Y-shaped design can thus be formed,for example.

In one embodiment of the previously described device at least one bundlereceptacle of the bundle pocket has a bundle receptacle portion which isdefined by the envelope faces of two cones or truncated cones.Longitudinal central axes of the cones or truncated cones here can becongruent. The cones or truncated cones can have different radii. Abristle bundle having a chalice-shaped bundle portion can be generatedusing such a device.

In one embodiment of the previously described device at least one bundlereceptacle of the bundle pocket, in particular proceeding from a crosssection of the bundle receptacles, can fan out or spread out in apreferably chalice-shaped and/or conical manner.

In order for bristle bundles which are mutually unified in a bundleportion to be generated, the bundle pocket of the device can have atleast two bundle receptacles which open into a common bundle receptacleportion.

In order for bristle bundles which are mutually unified in a bundleportion to be generated, the bundle pocket can, for example, also haveat least one bundle receptacle which is specified for receiving at leasttwo bristle bundles and/or which comprises a common bundle receptacleportion for at least two bristle bundles.

In order to facilitate an ideally rapid forming of bristle bundles, theat least one bundle pocket can have at least one heat exchanger elementwhich facilitates a thermal transfer. With the aid of the at least oneheat exchanger element of the bundle pocket, the bundle pocket by way ofthe heating device can more rapidly be brought to the temperaturerequired for forming or deforming the bristle bundles. The at least oneheat exchanger element of the bundle pocket can accelerate cooling ofthe bundle pocket and of a bristle bundle situated therein after abristle bundle has been successfully formed.

A cooling and/or heating rib and/or a cooling and/or heating fin canserve as a heat exchanger element, for example.

Alternatively or additionally to the at least one heat exchangerelement, the bundle pocket can have a surface structure whichfacilitates a thermal transfer. It is thus possible, for example, forthe bundle pocket on the external side thereof to be provided with asurface roughness Ra of 1.6 μm to 50 μm. An external surface of thebundle pocket can be enlarged clue to the surface roughness, thisaccelerating an absorption of heat when heating the bundle pocket aswell as a discharge of heat when cooling the bundle pocket.

For preferably fully automated handling of bristle bundles and/or bundlepockets when using the device, the latter can have at least one bundlegripper and/or at least one bundle pocket gripper. In one embodiment ofthe device, the at least one bundle gripper as well as the at least onebundle pocket gripper can be movable between an initial position and aprocessing position.

In order for the introduction of bristle bundles into the at least onebundle pocket of the device to be facilitated, the at least one bundlepocket gripper and/or the at least one bundle gripper, can preferably ineach case be assigned a vibrator. The bundle pocket and/or a bristlebundle held by the bundle gripper can be set in vibration with the aidof the at least one vibrator. Due to the vibrations, the bristlefilaments of the at least one bristle bundle can more easily slide intothe bundle pocket.

In order to be able to heat the bundle pocket uniformly and/or swiftlyin order to form or deform bristle bundles, the at least one bundlepocket can have a wall with a constant and preferably ideally thin wallthickness. An inner contour of the bundle pocket here can be adapted toan external contour of the bundle pocket. An external contour of thebundle pocket here can be identical to an internal contour of the bundlepocket.

The introduction of bristle bundles into the bundle pocket isfacilitated when the introduction opening of the at least one bundlepocket is provided with an introduction funnel. The bundle pocket canfurthermore form or be a monolithic unit which is preferably materiallyhomogenous. A particularly high degree of design freedom in terms of theshaping of the bundle pocket can be achieved when the bundle pocket is3D-printed. In this way, the bundle pockets can have particularlycomplex internal structures. Bundle pockets which, for example, have ahelical internal structure for receiving a bristle bundle and, by virtueof the shaping of said bundle pockets, impart to a bristle bundle whichis disposed therein for deformation or formation a helical target shapeare thus conceivable.

Depending on the specific application, it may be advantageous topost-process bristle bundles that have been formed with the aid of thebundle pocket. For this purpose, the at least one bundle pocket of thedevice can have an exit opening which is preferably disposed in or on aside of the bundle pocket that is opposite the introduction opening ofthe bundle pocket. Free filament ends of a bristle bundle that isdisposed in the bundle pocket can protrude from the bundle pocket atthis exit opening and be accessible for post-processing, for example forprocessing by milling and/or grinding.

The bundle pocket of the device can furthermore be provided with anintroduction opening for a bristle bundle and with at least one lateralcut-out. At least one bristle bundle can be introduced into the bundlepocket through the introduction opening of the bundle pocket. Adisplacement element of the device for profiling a bristle bundle thathas been introduced into the bundle pocket and/or generating a clearancewithin the bristle bundle can be incorporated into the bundle pocketthrough the lateral cut-out of the bundle pocket.

By means of the bundle pocket, this device is also specified for forminga bristle bundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket,proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape, to a desired target shapeunder the influence of heat, the latter discharged by the heating deviceto the bundle pocket and thus also to the bristle bundle situatedtherein.

In this way, a device for forming bristle bundles which permits bristlebundles to be individualized and thus ultimately widens the designpotential for individualizing brushes which are equipped with the formedbristle bundles is achieved. The device according to the inventionmoreover also offers the possibility of improving the effectiveness ofbristle bundles by imparting a technically effective shape. Depending onthe specific application, it is conceivable for bristle bundles to beshaped in the most diverse shapes. It is thus conceivable forparticularly aggressively tapered bristle bundles, bristle bundles ofwhich the bristle filaments follow a helical line, or else bristlebundles which at one end thereof have a first cross-sectional shape andat the second end thereof have a second cross-sectional shape while thecross section of the bristle bundles continuously varies in the profilefrom the first end toward the second end, to be produced.

The shape predefined by the bundle pocket is imparted to the bristlebundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket of the device.The bristle bundle which has not yet been deformed can thus have acylindrical or a slightly conical initial shape, for example, beforesaid bristle bundle is introduced into the bundle pocket. Should thebundle pocket, in particular a receptacle of the bundle pocket intowhich the bristle bundle is introduced, now have a shape which deviatesfrom this initial shape, the bristle bundle in terms of shape or designinevitably adapts to the shape predefined by the bundle pocket when saidbristle bundle is introduced into the bundle pocket.

The shape which is predefined by the bundle pocket and which has beenassumed by the bristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket can be setby the heat of the heating device that has been discharged by way of thebundle pocket to the at least one bristle bundle situated in the latter.The heat discharged by the heating device has the effect similar to thatof a stress relief heat treatment of the bristle bundle held in adeformed manner in the bundle pocket. The bristle filaments of thebristle bundle that are held in a deformed manner by and/or in thebundle pocket can thus correspondingly change their structure under theinfluence of heat, clue to which the modified shaping of the bristlebundle can ultimately be set.

The displacement element can be introduced into the bundle pocket andhereby between bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundlesituated in the bundle pocket by way of the lateral cut-out of thebundle pocket. Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle are laterallydisplaced by the displacement element. The bristle bundle situated inthe bundle pocket can be provided with a clearance configured within thebristle bundle with the aid of the displacement element. The heatdischarged by the heating device herein has the effect that theclearance generated by the displacement element within the bristlebundle is maintained once the bristle bundle has been removed from thebundle pocket. It can be advantageous herein for the displacementelement to be left in the displacing position thereof within the bundlepocket, while the bundle pocket and the bristle bundle situated thereinare heated by the heating device. The displacement element can beintroducible and/or introduced into the bundle pocket in a mannertransverse or orthogonal to an introduction direction of a bristlebundle.

Bristle bundles of a particularly complex design which enable a highdegree of individualization of brushes equipped with said bristlebundles can thus be generated with the aid of the device for formingbristle bundles.

The bundle pocket can have two mutually opposite lateral cut-outs. Thetwo cut-outs can be disposed on the bundle pocket such that a receptaclespace of the bundle pocket into which the at least one bristle bundlecan be introduced lies between the two cut-outs. The displacementelement of the device can be pushed through the receptacle space of thebundle pocket by way of the one cut-out and exit from the bundle pocketby way of the other cut-out of said bundle pocket. It is thus ensuredthat the displacement element completely penetrates the bundle pocket,in particular the receptacle space thereof, and due to this generatesthe desired clearance within the bristle bundle by displacing thebristle filaments of a bristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket.

The at least one cut-out of the bundle pocket can be so large that saidcut-out generates a clearance in the bristle bundle that is delimited bya first closed bundle portion which lies between the clearance and afree end of the bristle bundle, on the one hand, and by a second closedbundle portion which lies between the clearance and an end of thebristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier, on the otherhand.

The closed bundle portion which is disposed so as to neighbor the freeend of the bristle bundle, like the closed bundle portion which isdisposed so as to neighbor the end of the bristle bundle that isproximal to the bristle carrier, can have a length which is, forexample, 5% of an overall length of the bristle bundle, measured in thedirection of longitudinal extent of the bristle filaments of the bristlebundle.

Applied to the bundle pocket, this can mean that a first portion of thebundle pocket that is closed or free of any cut-out and is disposedbetween the cut-out and the introduction opening of the bundle pocket,and a second portion of the bundle pocket that is closed or free of anycut-out and disposed between the cut-out and an end of the bundle pocketthat is disposed opposite the introduction opening of the bundle pocket,have in each case a length of at least 5% of an overall length of thebundle pocket.

In one embodiment of the device the at least one cut-out of the bundlepocket can have a length, measured between the introduction opening ofthe bundle pocket and an end of the bundle pocket that is disposed so asto be opposite the introduction opening of the bundle pocket, which isbetween 10% and 90% or 95%, in particular between 50% and 90%, of theoverall length of the bundle pocket measured in the same direction.

In order to be able to close the at least one cut-out of the bundlepocket while a bristle bundle is introduced into the bundle pocket, itcan be advantageous for the device to have at least one closure element.The closure element of the device can be specified for at leasttemporarily closing the at least one lateral cut-out of the at least onebundle pocket. By way of the closure element it can be effectivelyprevented that bristle filaments of a bristle bundle introduced into thebundle pocket are inadvertently pushed out or make their way out of thecut-out of the bundle pocket.

It can be furthermore advantageous for the device to have at least oneprocessing device for processing a bristle bundle, in particular amilling tool and/order grinding tool.

In order to accelerate cooling of the bundle pocket and of a bristlebundle situated therein, the device can furthermore have a coolingdevice.

In one embodiment of the device, the heating device extends across aregion which covers an annular segment with an angular range between180° and 270°. A cooling device of the device, for example the coolingdevice already mentioned above, can extend across a region which coversan annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°.

In one embodiment of the device the heating device has a heating platewhich preferably extends across a region which covers an annular segmentwith an angular range between 180° and 270°, for example. A coolingdevice of the device, for example the cooling device already mentionedabove, can have a cooling plate which preferably extends across a regionwhich covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and90°, for example.

This type of heating device and cooling device is particularly suitablefor use in a brush production machine as will be described in moredetail hereunder and has a rotary indexing table by which bundle pocketsand bristle bundles situated therein can be transported betweendifferent stations of the brush production machine.

In one embodiment of the device it is provided that said device has abundle spreading device. The bundle spreading device is specified forspreading out, in particular neighboring, bristle bundles before beingintroduced into the bundle pocket. This can simplify the introduction ofthe bristle bundles into the bundle pocket. A spacing between twoneighboring bundles can be enlarged by spreading the bristle bundles.

The device can furthermore have a moisturizing device for moisturizingand/or steaming the bristle bundles. Bristle filaments of which thebristle bundles are composed can be held together by moisturizing and/orsteaming the bristle bundles. The bristle bundles can thus at leasttemporarily assume a more compact design. This facilitates introducingthe bristle bundles into the bundle pocket, in particular into thebundle receptacles of the bundle pocket.

The device can have a controller which is specified for actuating theheating device such that the bristle bundles in the bundle pocket areheated according to defined heat profile curves. The heating deviceand/or the bundle pocket, here in particular the bundle receptacles, canbe specified for heating the bristle bundles by heat conduction bymechanical contacting, by induction and/or convection, preferably by f atemperature-controlled fluid and/or by thermal radiation.

A cooling device of the device, for example the cooling device alreadymentioned above, can be specified for cooling the bristle bundles by atemperature-controlled fluid, in particular by compressed air and/or bynitrogen. To this end, the cooling device can comprise, for example, acold-air gun, a vortex tube and/or a cyclone tube.

The bundle pocket can be produced by eroding and/or by 3D-printingand/or by milling and/or from thin layers and/or plates which aresubsequently connected to one another.

The bundle receptacles of the bundle pocket can have a surface roughnessof at most 6.3 μm. This can facilitate introducing the bristle bundlesinto the bundle receptacles. The bundle receptacles can furthermore beground, in particular flow-ground, and/or polished in the push-indirection of the bristle bundles. This can also reduce any resistancewhen introducing the bristle bundles and facilitate a targetedintroduction of the bristle bundles into the bundle receptacles. It isfurthermore possible for the bundle receptacles to have a surfacecoating in order to reduce the surface roughness of said bundlereceptacles.

The device can have a suction device by way of which a vacuum can beapplied to the bundle pocket, in particular to the bundle receptacles.This can also facilitate introducing the bristle bundles into the bundlepocket, in particular the bundle receptacles. The bristle bundles can besuctioned into the bundle receptacles of the bundle pockets by way ofthe applied vacuum.

The bundle pocket can be perforated, in particular laterally. This canfacilitate a thermal transfer when heating and subsequently cooling thebristle bundles by way of the bundle pocket. Furthermore, the bundlepocket can have at least one flow duct. It is thus possible for a heatedand/or a cooled fluid to be directed through the bundle pocket so as toinput heat and/or cool the bristle bundles, for example.

The device can further have a discharge device by way of which fluidheated by the heating device, in particular warm air, can be dischargedinto the environment. When the device, in particular the heating device,is to be operated in a recirculating operation, it can be advantageousfor the device, in particular the heating device, to have a closedsystem, in particular a recirculating air system, in which fluid heatedby the heating device, in particular heated air, can circulate. The useof a closed system, for example a recirculating air system, can aid insaving energy when heating the bundle pocket and the bristle bundlessituated therein.

In order for a thermal input into the bundle pocket to be monitored, thedevice can have a controller, for example the controller alreadymentioned above, and/or a regulator. The device can furthermore have atleast one temperature sensor by way of which a temperature of the bundlepocket can be determined. In one preferred embodiment of the device, aplurality of temperature sensors by way of which the temperature of thebundle pocket can be determined at various locations are provided. Amore exact distribution of temperature on and/or at least indirectlyalso in the bundle pocket can be determined using a plurality oftemperature sensors.

When a temperature-controlled fluid is to be used for heating thebristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket, it can be expedient forthe device to have at least one temperature sensor on the heating deviceand/or in or on an inflow duct and/or in or on an outflow duct.

All of the temperature sensors mentioned above can be utilized whenmonitoring the thermal input into the bundle pocket by the control unitand/or the regulator of the device.

In one embodiment of the device, a cross-sectional area of a bundlereceptacle can be at least 20% larger than an overall cross-sectionalarea of individual bristle filaments which are to be introduced intothis bundle receptacle. The bundle receptacle is thus oversized incomparison to the bristle bundles, clue to which the bristle bundles canbe more easily introduced into the bundle receptacle. In one embodimentof the device, at least part of the heating device is integrated in thebundle pocket of the device. This can facilitate an efficient heating ofbristle bundles situated in the bundle pocket.

The device can have a guide for a bundle gripper, for example the bundlegripper already mentioned above, a guide for the at least onedisplacement device and/or a guide for the at least one closure elementof the device already mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION FO THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail by means of exemplaryembodiments. The invention is however not limited to these exemplaryembodiments. Further exemplary embodiments are derived by combining thefeatures of individual claims or a plurality of claims and/or bycombining individual features or a plurality of features of theexemplary embodiments.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush having a brush head,configured on which is a bristle field having a plurality of bristlebundles;

FIG. 2 shows the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1 with the brush head removed;

FIGS. 3 to 5 show tabulated data of various shapes for the purpose ofvisualizing potential bundle geometries to which the bristle filamentsin the bristle field of toothbrush from FIGS. 1 and 2 can be formed; and

FIGS. 6 to 8 show three different bristle fields having bristle bundlesof which at least individual bristle bundles have geometries from thetabulated data of FIGS. 3 to 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a brush which in its entirety is provided with thereference sign 1 and is configured as a toothbrush.

The brush 1 has a bristle field 2 which comprises a plurality of bristlebundles 3. The bristle field 2 is configured on a bristle carrier 4which as a brush head can be inserted into a receptacle 5 on a handle 6of the brush 1.

The bristle field 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the bristlebundles 3 still prior to being deformed and thus according to theunmodified initial shape of said bristle bundles 3. The design whichsuch a bristle field 2 can assume after deformation of at least a few ofthe bristle bundles 3 is shown in an exemplary manner in FIGS. 6 to 8.

By applying the method for producing a brush 1 as has already beendescribed in detail above and is also set forth in the claims, at leastone of the bristle bundles 3 of the bristle field 2 is permanentlyformed in such a manner that at least one bristle filament of thebristle bundle 3 upon deformation has a curved and/or kinked profile.

Additionally or alternatively thereto, at least one bristle bundle 3 atthe free bundle end thereof can have a cross section which is notrotationally symmetrical, as displayed by the two external bristlebundles 3A and 3B of the bristle carrier 4 according to FIGS. 1 and 2.The bristle bundle 3 can also be imparted the cross section which is notrotationally symmetrical by deformation.

Due to the deformation of the bristle bundle 3 of the bristle field 2,the bristle bundles 3 of the bristle field 2 that at least in part arenot yet deformed can in principle assume each of the shapes shown in thetabulated data of FIGS. 3 to 5.

Each of the shapes shown facilitates the individualization of brushesand herein also has a specific technical effect which can positivelyinfluence, for example, the useful properties such as the cleaningeffect or scrubbing effects, or else the economy in the production ofthe brushes.

By resorting to the shapes shown in the tabulated data of FIGS. 3 to 5,a brush 1 in which at least two bristle bundles 3 are unified in acommon bundle portion can thus be achieved, for example. A bristlebundle 3 of this type is shown in the illustrations B16 and C16 of FIG.5, for example. It is furthermore also possible to provide a brush 4which has at least one bristle bundle 3 which at the free bundle endthereof is divided into at least two mutually separate bundle endportions. A bristle bundle 3 of this type is reproduced in illustrationsA18 to C18 of FIG. 5, for example.

It is furthermore possible to provide a brush 1 in which at least onebristle bundle 3 has a clearance as shown in the illustration D18 orelse in illustrations A17 to D17 of FIG. 5, for example.

The shape according to illustration D18 shows a clearance 7 in a bristlebundle 3. The clearance 7 here has been generated by displacing and/ordeforming bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 3 with the aid of adisplacement element, in particular with the aid of a needle-shapeddisplacement pin.

Many of the embodiments of bristle bundles 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 interms of a longitudinal axis of the bristle bundle 3 have two bundlecross sections which are axially spaced apart from one another anddiffer from one another in terms of shape and/or size, thus in theimages A19 to H19 of FIG. 5, for example. Bristle bundles 3 which upondeformation thereof in the bristle field 2 of the brush 1 have ahelical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped design, or are spreadout so as to form a fan, are likewise shown in illustrations A19 to H19of FIG. 5.

Illustration E18 of FIG. 5 shows a helically wound or coiled bristlebundle 3. Illustration F18 shows three bristle bundles 3 which per seare in each case formed in helical shape and which are moreoverconjointly twisted. Bristle bundles 3 having crimped and/or undulatedbristle filaments 3 are reproduced in illustrations E16 to J16 of FIG. 5and in part also in FIGS. 7 and 8. In principle, it is possible forbristle bundles 3 to be composed of bristle filaments which havedifferent thicknesses and/or are composed from different materials, inparticular materials with variable stiffness, or elastic materials.Furthermore, bristle filaments with an added grain and/or an addedantibacterial substance can be used for the bristle bundles 3.

Illustration I18 of FIG. 5 shows two curved bristle bundles 3 which forsupporting a third bristle bundle 3, which is disposed between the twobristle bundles 3, bear on the third bristle bundle 3. The two outerbristle bundles 3 by way of the free bundle ends thereof here contactthe third bristle bundle 3.

In order for a brush 1 which has at least one bristle bundle 3 having across section which has an angular and/or polygonal internal geometryand/or an angular and/or polygonal external geometry to be generated,the shapes A15 to D15 can be resorted to, for example. Other shapes ofFIGS. 3 to 5 also have cross sections which have an angular and/orpolygonal internal geometry and/or an angular and/or polygonal externalgeometry.

In order for a brush 1 which, in particular at the free bundle endthereof, has at least one bristle bundle 1 which has a cross sectionhaving a round or circular internal geometry and/or having a round orcircular external geometry to be generated, the corresponding shapes inlines 8 to 13 of the tabulated data of shapes from FIG. 4 can beresorted to, for example.

In order for the at least one bristle bundle 3 of the brush 1,proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape, to be permanently formedsuch that at least one bristle filament of the bristle bundle 3 upondeformation has a curved and/or kinked profile, it can be advantageousfor the bristle bundle 3 and the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle3 first to be brought to a target shape, then to be maintained in thetarget shape and to simultaneously apply heat. A molecular structure ofthe bristle bundles 3 held in a deformed manner can be modifiedaccording to the target shape by the application of heat such that thebristle bundle 3 remains in the formed target shape after the cooling ofthe bristle bundle 3.

Tools such as, for example, displacement element and/or preferablyheatable bundle pockets can be used for deforming the bristle bundle 3.The bundle pockets can have shape-imparting bundle receptacles which areshaped according to the shapes of bristle bundles 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to8. The bundle pockets are thus used as forming tools for forming thebristle bundles 3.

Due to the modification of the geometry of the bristle bundles 3, thelatter can be imparted advantageous properties which said bristlebundles did not have prior to their deformation. These properties can begrouped according to cleaning effect, design/marketing, and productproperties. These groups can in turn be refined as follows:

Cleaning Effect

The stiffness of the bristle bundles 3 can be modified by a targeteddeformation of bristle bundles. Specific deformations which will beexplained further below here act in a manner

increasing abrasiveness or reinforcing the bundle, respectively; or else

increasing sensitivity or softening the bundle, respectively.

The cleaning effect of the bristle bundle 3 can also be adapted by atargeted deformation. A bristle bundle 3 can be imparted a bundle endthat tapers toward a tip, for example, by a targeted deformation of thebristle bundle 3. Individual bristle filaments which form the tip of thebristle bundle here have a projection in relation to the remainingbristle filaments and thus reach locations, for example in intermediatespaces between teeth, in tooth trenches, or else in tooth fissures whichsaid bristle filaments would not be able to reach without deformation.

The geometries that increase the abrasiveness of the bristle bundle 3from the tabulated data of FIGS. 3 to 5 are shown in the illustrationslisted below:

The bristle bundles 3 are imparted a higher degree of abrasivenessand/or a reinforcement of the bundle with the aid of polygon internalgeometries and/or external geometries according to shapes A1, C1, E1,J1, A2, B2, C2, D2, F2, G2, H2, I2, J2, A3, B3, C3, D3, E3, G3, J3, C4,E4, G4, A6, H8, I8, J8, A9, B9, D9, E9, F9, H9, I9, J9, A10, B10, G10,H10, C11, E11, H11, E12, A13, A15. Bristle bundles 3 shaped in such amanner may be stiffer than non-deformed bristle bundles 3.

Supporting bundle positions such as according to shape I18, can alsocontribute toward increased stiffness of the supported bristle bundles3.

The abrasiveness of a bristle bundle can likewise be increased with theaid of a polygonal milled cut as according to shapes D16, C18(partially), A20 (partially) and B20 (partially).

Furthermore, the scrubbing properties of the bristle bundles 3 can beinfluenced by a targeted combination of the bristle filaments from whichthe bristle bundles 3 are formed. Bristle bundles 3 can thus be formedfrom bristle filaments which have different filament geometries and/ordifferent material thicknesses and/or are composed of differentmaterials. Furthermore, bristle filaments with added grain, from astiffer filament material such as PBT or mixtures of the materialsalready mentioned above and/or with a higher filling ratio (beforeand/or after the deformation) can be formed.

Shapes which increase sensitivity or mitigate abrasiveness,respectively, from the tabulated data in FIGS. 3 to 5 are shown in thefollowing illustrations:

Softer bristle bundles 3 can be generated with the aid of soft internalgeometries and/or external geometries such as the shapes B1, D1, G1, H1,I1, H3, I3, H4, I14, C5, D5, E5, F5, A8, B8, C8, D8, E8, F8, G8, C9,C10, D10, E10, F10, I10, A11, I11, J11, A12, B12, C12, D12, H12, I12,J12, D15.

Bristle bundles 3 are imparted a certain spring elasticity bydeformation to one of the geometries of illustrations E16 to J16, E18,F18, A20 (central part) which display helical bristle bundles 3.

Bristle bundles 3 which facilitate gentle cleaning are generated withthe aid of a soft milled cut such as according to the shapes: H16, E18,F18, G18, H18, A20 and B20.

A combination of bristle filaments of variable thickness, undulatedbristle filaments and/or crimped bristle filaments, or else a lowerfilling ratio in a bristle bundle 3 can have an effect of increasingsensitivity (cf. to this end shape A19, for example).

The combination of bristle bundle geometries that increase abrasivenessand sensitivity in one bristle field 2 of a brush 1 can have theadvantage of mitigating excessive sensitivity or abrasiveness caused bythe shape or characteristics of the bristle bundles 3.

A particularity of curved formed or transformed bristle bundles 3 liesin that said bristle bundles 3 can reduce as well as increaseabrasiveness, depending on the direction in which said bristle bundles 3are curved and in which direction scrubbing takes place. IllustrationsG18, H18, F19, G19, H19 show examples of shapes which act so as toreduce abrasiveness in one scrubbing direction but act so as to increaseabrasiveness in another scrubbing direction.

An increase of abrasiveness as well as sensitivity depending on thescrubbing direction results in the shapes F1, E2, F3, A4, B4, D4, F4,J4, A5, B5, G5, H5, I5, J5, J10, B11, D11, F11, G11, F12, G12. Anabrasive external geometry paired with a sensitive internal geometry, asin the shape C15, can ensure a positive scrubbing performance on theexternal side and on the internal side initiate an effect that polishessurfaces of teeth.

Design/Marketing

Structures such as, for example, flags, logos, letters, symbols andcolored profiles in the bristle bundle 3 can be generated in the bristlefield 2 by a targeted deformation of bristle bundles 3.

Production Characteristics

A few large bristle bundles 3 can be generated from a plurality of smallbristle bundles by way of the deformation of a plurality of bristlebundles 3 and the unification that takes place herein.

A plurality of small bristle bundles 3, which in this instance may alsobe referred to as sub-bundles, are made by deforming a few large bristlebundles 3 and by the segmentation that takes place herein.

In the so-called anchoring technology in which bristle bundles 3 arestuffed into holes, the bristle bundles 3 can initially be stuffed intothe holes of a bristle carrier in a straight manner, thus withoutassuming an oblique position, and then be curved obliquely according toa desired oblique position. The subsequent deformation can significantlysimplify the stuffing procedure and thus the production of the brush.

Due to a deformation that takes place after the fastening of bristlebundles 3, said bristle bundles 3 can be formed toward regions whichthey would otherwise not reach.

Bundle positions which previously have been difficult or even impossibleto achieve by virtue of the rounded finish of bristle bundles, can nowbe implemented by a subsequent deformation of the bristle bundles 3. Asensitive external geometry paired with an abrasive internal geometry,such as in the shape B15, can externally be gentle on a sensitive gum,on the one hand, and internally nevertheless ensure a satisfactorycleaning effect on the teeth.

Illustrations A16 to D16 when viewed in the plan view would show theidentical bundle geometry. This bundle geometry can however beimplemented in different ways. The bundle geometry from illustration A16is formed from one bundle 3, while the bundle geometry from illustrationB16 is formed from two bristle bundles 3. The bundle geometry fromillustration C16 is formed from four bristle bundles 3. The bundlegeometry from illustration D16 has been generated by a so-called contourcut. With the contour cut, free bundle ends can be trimmed in a desiredmanner in order to generate a contour on the end side on the bristlebundle 3, for example.

Illustrations E16 to J16 also show identical or at least similar bundlegeometries which have been implemented in different ways.

The bristle bundles 3 of illustrations F16, G16, H16 and J16, due to theswept or helical design of the bristle filaments thereof, are moresensitive than the bristle bundles 3 of illustrations E16, I16, thebristle filaments thereof having a profile with less curvature.Furthermore, it can be seen in the bundle geometry of illustration G16that the non-deformed bristle bundle 3 in the initial shape thereof doesnot have to be round. Such a bristle bundle 3 can be fastened by theanchorless method, for example.

Illustrations A17 to D17 show bristle bundles 3 having an internalgeometry that is formed in a straight manner or formed in a helicalmanner, respectively.

Illustrations B6 to F6 and E17 visualize how bristle bundles 3 withcomparatively complex logos and/or a flags can be configured forindividualizing brushes 1 in a targeted manner.

Illustrations A18 to C18 visualize the segmentation of a bristle bundle3 into two bristle bundles 3 (A18), the segmentation of two bristlebundles 3 into three bristle bundles 3 (B18) and the segmentation of abristle bundle 3 into three bristle bundles 3 (C18). Illustrations D18,G19 and H19 show bristle bundles 3 which with the aid of a clearance 7,which can also be referred to as a recess, achieve a reservoir forreceiving a cleaning agent, for example toothpaste.

Illustrations E18 and F18 show a helical or else helix-shaped bristlebundle 3 having a contour cut such that the bristle filaments of thebristle bundle 3 in the completed state form a dome at the tip, thus areconvex. Such a helical bristle bundle 3 may stand alone or be conjointlytwisted or wrapped with further helical bristle bundles 3.

Illustrations G18 and H18 show bristle bundles 3 which have been formedor transformed so as to be hook-shaped. The bristle bundle 3 ofillustration G18 here has been stuffed perpendicularly to the bristlesurface and the bristle bundle 3 of illustration H18 stuffed at anangle. This is intended to visualize that the bristle bundles 3 do notnecessarily have to be stuffed perpendicularly in order to betransformed.

Illustration A19 shows a bristle bundle 3 which, for example with theaid of displacement units, in particular needle-shaped displacementunits, fans out toward the top and thus facilitates particularlysensitive cleaning.

Illustrations C19 to E19 show bristle bundles 3 having various funnelshapes. Illustrations F19 to H19 show that the bristle bundles may alsoend in a curved manner. It can be seen in illustrations I19 and J19 howa bristle bundle 3 that has been cut in a straight manner is pointed byforming. The bristle filaments due to the deformation of said bristlebundle 3 are curved in such a manner that bristle filaments which are onthe inside of the curve project beyond the bristle bundles 3 which arefurther toward the outside, such that the bristle bundle 3 is imparted apointed end side.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show exemplary bristle fields 2 in which bristle bundles 3which have shapes from the tabulated data of FIGS. 3 to 5 are combinedwith one another.

The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of brushproduction. Proposed to this end is inter alia a brush 1, in particulara toothbrush, which has at least one bristle bundle 3 which comprises atleast one bristle filament having a curved and/or kinked profile.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Brush

2 Bristle field

3 Bristle bundle

3 a Bristle bundle

3 b Bristle bundle

4 Bristle carrier

5 Receptacle

6 Handle

7 Clearance in 3

1. A method for producing a brush (1), comprising: proceeding from anon-deformed initial shape, permanently forming at least one bristlebundle (3) of the brush (1) such that at least one bristle filament ofthe bristle bundle (3) upon deformation has at least one of a curved orkinked profile.
 2. The method as claimed claim 1, further comprising:fastening the at least one bristle bundle (3) to a bristle carrier (4)of the brush (1), with the at least one bristle filament of the bristlebundle (3) having the permanently deformed at least one of the curved orkinked profile.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one bristle bundle (3), proceeding from the non-deformed initialshape, is permanently formed such that the bristle bundle (3) at a freebundle end thereof has a cross section which is not rotationallysymmetrical.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at leastone bristle bundle includes at least two of the bristle bundles (3), andthe method further comprises unifying the at least two bristle bundlesin a common bundle portion
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising dividing the at least one bristle bundle (3) at a free bundleend thereof into at least two mutually separate bundle end portions. 6.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one bristlefilament comprises bristle filaments, and the method further comprisesdisplacing the bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle (3)for generating a clearance (7) in the bristle bundle (3).
 7. The methodas claimed in claim 1, further comprising forming the at least onebristle bundle (3) such that said bristle bundle (3) has at least twobundle cross sections which in terms of an longitudinal axis of saidbristle bundle (3) are axially spaced apart from one another and differfrom one another in terms of at least one of a shape or size.
 8. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising imparting the at leastone bristle bundle (3) with at least one of a helical shape, a conicalshape, a frustoconical shape, a chalice-shape, or a spread-out shape. 9.The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising forming at leasttwo of the bristle bundles (3) with a conjointly twisted shape.
 10. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising forming the at leastone bristle bundle (3) at least one of (a) under the influence of heator (b) with a shape-imparting tool.
 11. The method as claimed in claim1, further comprising forming at least one said bristle bundle (3) forsupporting another of the bristle bundles (3) such that said bristlebundle (3) bears on the other bristle bundle (3), or forming two of saidbristle bundles (3) for supporting a third one of the bristle bundles(3), such that the two bristle bundles bear on the third bristle bundle(3).
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising impartingat least one of the bristle bundles (3) with a cross section having atleast one of an angular or polygonal internal geometry or an angular orpolygonal external geometry.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 1,further comprising imparting at least one of the bristle bundles (3)with a cross section having at least one of a round or circular internalgeometry or having a round or circular external geometry.
 14. A brush(1), comprising at least one of: (a) at least one bristle bundle (3)having at least one bristle filament having at least one of a curved orkinked profile, or (b) at least one bristle bundle (3) which at a freebundle end thereof has a cross section which is not rotationallysymmetrical.
 15. The brush (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the atleast one bristle bundle (3) includes two of the bristle bundles thatare unified in a common bundle portion, or the at least one bristlebundle (3) at a free bundle end thereof is divided into at least twomutually separate bundle end portions.
 16. The brush (1) as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the at least one bristle filament includes bristlefilaments, and the at least one bristle bundle (3) includes a clearance(7) generated by the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (3) beingat least one of displaced and permanently deformed.
 17. The brush (1) asclaimed in claim 14, wherein at least one of (a) the at least onebristle bundle (3) in terms of the longitudinal axis thereof has twobundle cross sections which are axially spaced apart from one anotherand which differ from one another in terms of at least one of a shape orsize, or (b) the at least one bristle bundle (3) has a helical shape, aconical shape, a frustoconical shape, a chalice-shape, or a spread-outshape.
 18. The brush (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at leastone bristle bundle includes at least two of the bristle bundles, and theat least two bristle bundles (3) are conjointly twisted.
 19. The brush(1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one bristle bundle (3)comprises at least one of (a) crimped bristle filaments, (b) undulatedbristle filaments, (c) crimped and undulated bristle filaments, (d)bristle filaments of different material thickness, (e) bristle filamentsfrom different materials, (f) bristle filaments with added grain,bristle filaments with an added antibacterial substance, or (g) bristlefilaments with added grain and an added antibacterial substance.
 20. Thebrush (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one bristlebundle (3) includes the free bundle end, and the free bundle end has aconvex or concave end contour.
 21. The brush (1) as claimed in claim 14,wherein the at least one bristle bundle (3) includes a plurality ofbristle bundles, and one of the bristle bundles bears on another of thebristle bundles (3) as a support, or two of the bristle bundles (3) bearon a third of the bristle bundles (3) as a support.
 22. The brush (1) asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one bristle bundle (3) has across section having at least one of an angular or polygonal internalgeometry or at least one of an angular or polygonal external geometry.23. The brush (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least onebristle bundle (3) has a cross section having at least one of a round orcircular internal geometry or a round or circular external geometry.